Dobbs Ferry was the first in New York to receive the highest level of recognition as a Climate Smart Community. As one of these Climate Smart Communities, Dobbs Ferry has made a commitment to adapting to climate change by taking action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Just as this city has worked to create a better climate for its citizens, and the benefit of the state and the country at large, you can find hope in working towards a better life climate for yourself, when things seem harsh and unforgiving.
A nearby, licensed counselor is available to help you with any mental health or emotional issues that you may be facing. A confidential mental health professional in the Dobbs Ferry area can provide you with support that you may need. Consider reaching out to one today.

Cortney (Bota) Smith
Hello, my name is Cortney. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. I have been working as a mental health therapist for over 10 years. Most of my experience has been working in community clinics, with adult clients providing traditional face to face therapy. For the past 7 years I've been providing teletherapy (online therapy) through BetterHelp. My experience includes working with clients with a wide range of mental health disorders (mild life stressors, change, relationship issues, anxiety, depression, bipolar, psychosis, trauma, anger management, co-occurring disorders). My education includes a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling, and 1,000 clinical hours as a mental health intern in various placements. My treatment approach is person centered; I want to meet you where you're at. I want to know what your wants/needs are so I can help you achieve your goals using a solution focused and cognitive behavioral therapy approach. My goal is to help support and guide you, ultimately while you're the one coming to conclusions and making appropriate changes to help you make progress/achieve your goals. It takes a lot a lot of courage and strength to take this first step and I'm proud of you! I look forward to working with you! Please be advised that my current office hours are Monday 9am-2pm and Wednesday 9-3 EST. I try my best to accommodate evening appointments when necessary, but if you're primarily looking for consistent appointments outside of these hours a counselor with evening/weekend hours may be better suited for you.

Melanie Giarratano
Hi! My name is Melanie. I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Neuroscience at University of Delaware and my Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling at SUNY College at Old Westbury. I have experience with adults, teenagers, children, Veterans, substance users, and the developmentally disabled. I also have a lot of experience with relationship counseling as it is a prevalent factor among most populations. I conduct group and individual therapy in both inpatient and outpatient settings. In my undergraduate studies, I conducted extensive research with PTSD in rats. This was an eye-opening experience as it taught me about the human stress reaction and how humans with trauma function differently from humans without trauma due to lacking the ability to extinguish fear. I use this in my practice as I currently work in an inpatient psychiatric setting with patients who have extreme trauma history. My graduate studies focused on the psychodynamic approach to counseling in which I learned about human development, family context, relationships, and transference/countertransference. I utilize this approach when working with clients as it helps me to understand the individuality if my clients based on their personal development. I use a myriad of theoretical approaches in my practice as I believe that all client's circumstances and personalities are different and treatment should be personalized. I focus on motivational interviewing in my practice as it is goal oriented and encourages a client toward change-talk and change-action. I use person-centered therapy once the client presents as motivated, but needs support and encouragement. I am here to listen without judgement and guide you through your own transitional journey. I am a firm believer of solution focused therapy in which a client is encouraged to focus on the present and future. I love to utilize CBT for a motivated client in order to deconstruct their thoughts/feelings/behaviors and identify the interrelationship between these thoughts/feelings/behaviors. One way to work on this is by teaching about faulty thinking errors/distortions and offering some positive coping skills to restructure thinking. This approach is best for clients who are willing to take their counseling further by completing homework, thought logs, charts, etc. Lastly, I emphasize the need for self-care in my clients. I am personable and friendly in my practice and I owe this to having balance in my life. When I am not counseling, I practice yoga, ride my bike, see my friends or family, play with my dog, go outside, or go shopping. I encourage all clients to utilize self-care and do what makes them feel happy and free.

Zaya Kuykendall
Do you ever feel like you just need to reset, to get a tune-up so to speak? You are not alone, if you have. Life happens fast! At times it can be hard and we, as mere humans, have to fight to find balance. That balance, reset button, tune-up is within you and as my client I will assist you in finding it. I will take the time to help you reconnect with yourself, regulate your emotions and assess your goals/priorities. Through a collaborative approach, we will share our thoughts, ideas and then decide how to move forward. I encourage openness, honesty - a sense of stability that will help facilitate dialogue and growth. I have an eclectic therapeutic approach with heavy influences of Gestalt, motivational interviewing and Solution Focus therapy. I provide support and feedback - in order to assist clients in addressing obstacles that they may encounter in their lives. I focus on building personal strengths, obtaining ‘closure’ with unfinished business (road blocks) and identifying feelings/emotions. Sessions will work towards a journey of self-awareness. I have been working in the helping field for more than fifteen years, and as a practicing psychotherapist for ten. I have a Bachelors of Science in Psychology (2000) and graduated with my Master of Arts in Professional Counseling in 2004. I have developed a knowledge base and specialization in the areas of domestic violence, child development/parenting, familial discord, women’s issues, and substance abuse throughout the years. I provide therapy with children and adults in individual, group, family, couples and e-therapy platforms. The journey of life is filled with bumps, turns, twist, manholes, road blocks & ditches; whatever the obstacles we face, we MUST stay on the road. We can not give up on self. Only on your personal road, on your journey will you find your inner calm and tranquility...let's make happiness a part of your journey. It is my belief that therapy is mental wound treatment. Just as you would not let a burn on your arm fester with no treatment, you should not let faulty cognitions (stinking thinking), past trauma and other life experiences fester. These mental wounds need care; identification, treatment, plan of care and the ability to heal.

Teresa Gehman
Welcome! I know it’s not always easy making the first call to reach out for help, but I’m so glad you did. “Accepting help is its own kind of strength.” I believe everyone should have a safe and healing place to work through life’s difficulties. Professional Summary: A highly skilled compassionate, empathetic, and solutions-oriented Licensed Mental Health Counselor dedicated to providing exceptional care and implementing effective treatment plans. Because everyone’s story is different I often blend therapeutic methods to customize an individualized approach for each client. I have over 25 years of experience working with a wide array of topics; depression, anxiety, grief, eating disorders, addictions, relationship issues, OCD, trauma and abuse, PTSD, domestic violence, parenting challenges, career transitions, LGBTQIA issues, and discrimination. My focus is to always make you feel welcomed and supported. Enough about me; I am excited to get to know you! “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you” Maya Angelou

Jaimenys (Jaime) Taveras
I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with experience working with children, teens, adults, couples, and families. After attending a couple’s therapy session more than a decade ago and seeing my own transformation from therapy, I immediately decided that I wanted to become a therapist. I wanted to do for others what my therapist did for me. I graduated with a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. I worked as a Child and Family Therapist for a non-profit organization providing trauma-focused therapy to adults, children, teens and family survivors of sexual abuse and domestic violence. I also facilitated support groups for trauma survivors. Currently working in private practice providing therapy to children and adults, couples and families. My friendly, warm, and genuine approach in session make my clients feel at ease. I am an empathetic therapist who provides a non-judgmental and supportive space for my clients. My goal is to make clients feel like I would want to feel in a therapy session with a therapist – validated, heard, seen and supported. I am committed towards guiding my clients in recognizing their strengths and ability to grow and to be more self-compassionate. I use techniques from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), Gottman, Solution-Focused, family of origin and attachment-based approaches. I have experience working with clients presenting with anxiety, codependency, attachment issues, relationships, and low self-worth. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can be an overwhelming and vulnerable process. I am so proud of you for your courage in seeking healing so you can live the life you are worthy and deserving of living.

Patricia (Trisha) Blackburn
I am licensed in New York with 20 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, coping with grief and loss, parenting issues, & depression. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Quinn Funn II
I am licensed in New York with 4 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, relationship issues, parenting issues, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Rena Blatt
I am licensed in New Jersey and New York with 7 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with anxiety, depression, eating disorders, motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I work with my clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. It takes courage to seek out a more fulfilling and happier life and to take the first steps towards a change. I am here to support & empower you in that journey.

Sheryl Beckett
I am licensed in District of Columbia with 29 years of professional work experience. I have experience in helping clients with stress and anxiety, family conflicts, trauma and abuse, & motivation, self esteem, and confidence. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!

Fiona Constain
As a therapist, I focus on working with clients going through difficult Life Transitions. As humans beings, we all experience periods in our lives that involve structural changes, and high stakes decision making. At times, these changes and the decisions involved, can make us feel very overwhelmed, and leave us with a sense that we have been thrown off balance. Some examples of life transitions include; the end of a relationship, a new relationship status, a career change or a relocation, as well as the transition into adulthood that starts during adolescence. I have extensive experience working with anxiety disorders and the grieving process. The uncertainty present during new life stages can often generate stress and anxiety, as well as feelings of disappointment, shame, sadness, and grief. I also specialize in helping women during the difficult transition period of becoming a new mother. This challenging time in a woman's life can span from the beginning of pregnancy, until 3 years after delivering a baby. Common emotional issues during life's transitional stages may include stress, anxiety, sadness, diminished motivation and confidence, as well as relationship difficulties. If you are going through a transitional stage in your life and are concerned about your mental wellbeing, I am here to help. I work with clients to create an open and safe environment where thoughts and feelings can be shared without fear of judgment. My approach to therapy is collaborative as well as cognitive behavioral. As we work together we will be looking at any road blocks that may be the root causes of your current struggles. These roadblocks can be at a conscious level and you are able to identify them. These roadblocks can also be at an unconscious level, uncovering them during therapy will help you see them, only when you see something you will be able to transform it. We will also be implementing practical life changes and actionable solutions for you to bring about the healing and the outcomes that you desire in your life. Taking the first step to seeking a more fulfilling and happier life experience takes courage and determination. I am here to support you towards your own journey of transformation. I finished my graduate school studies in Psychology at Columbia University in 2003. I also completed additional post graduate training in counseling at Cornell University. In 2019 I specialized in Maternal Mental Health and Wellness, and I am certified to treat perinatal mood disorders through Post-Partum Support International. I am here to help you take care of your mental health, and navigate through the psychological challenges that may be blocking you. The goal is for you to move through your current struggles, so you start a new chapter in your life with ease and confidence. You can view my current availability to schedule a session. I look forward to talking to you.
Find a therapist serving clients in New York
Types of therapists available to clients in Dobbs Ferry
Understanding the type of therapy you'd like to search for is crucial before finding a therapist or psychologist. Be sure to narrow your search for therapists in Dobbs Ferry that can offer psychodynamic therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), talk therapy, group therapy, marriage and family therapy for individuals or couples, or couples therapy depending on your needs.
Licensed therapists & mental health professionals available through BetterHelp's online platform
Mental health therapists in Dobbs Ferry available through BetterHelp are accredited to help individuals and couples. Dobbs Ferry therapists' credentials can include licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT), licensed clinical social worker (LCSW), and clinician or doctor of psychology (PsyD). Regardless of their licensure, Dobbs Ferry therapists are trained in any type of therapy in the Dobbs Ferry region and in the state of New York.
How a therapist can help you destress, manage your emotions, and guide you towards the life you want
Therapists in Dobbs Ferry can help clients in improving healthy relationships, communication skills, working through life transitions, couples challenges, managing a mood disorder, improving coping skills, self help tips, offer life coaching, family life, or change in negative thinking patterns. A therapist in Dobbs Ferry may also provide a safe place and validation for clients experiencing emotional pain, or that simply want a psychological assessment.